How to combine all Android screens into one desktop: 5 proven methods

Many Android users face a problem: too many pages with applications accumulate on the main screen, widgets are scattered across different screens, and it becomes difficult to find the desired shortcut. Combining all screens into one desktop solves this problem - all applications and widgets end up under hand, and the interface becomes minimalistic and convenient.

However, not everyone knows that Android does not initially provide such a function. Depending on the OS version and the manufacturer's shell (Samsung One UI, MIUI, ColorOS etc.), the methods for combining screens vary. In this article we will look at all current methods - from standard settings to using third-party launchers and ADB commandsthat work even on older devices.

If you use a smartphone with pure Android (for example, Google Pixel or Nokia), the process will be simpler. Owners of devices with proprietary shells (Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung) will have to take into account the interface features. But in any case, there is a solution - the main thing is to choose the appropriate method.

1. Standard Android settings: how to remove unnecessary screens

Most devices with pure Android (versions 10 and above) have a built-in desktop compression function. It does not delete pages completely, but allows you to reduce them to a minimum - to one scrollable screen.

To activate this mode:

1. Long press on an empty space on the main screen.
2. Select Home screen settings (or Launcher settings).
3. Find the option Number of screens or Shrink desktop.
4. Move the slider to 1 screen or enable the option Compact view.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy s One UI) this item can be called Simplified mode or Easy interface. In this case, the system will automatically reduce the number of pages to one, leaving only the main applications.

Please note: this method does not permanently delete pages, but only hides them. When you add new applications to the home screen, additional ones may appear again. screens.

2. Using launchers: the best applications for one screen

If standard settings do not help, third-party launchers they will not only allow you to combine all screens into one, but also offer flexible interface settings.

Top 3 launchers for one desktop:

• 🔹 Nova Launcher —supports "Single Screen" mode in settings Home screen → Number of screensAllows you to hide the search bar and notification bars for maximum minimalism.
• 🔹 Lawnchair —a lightweight open-source launcher. In the settings there is an option Single Page Mode (single screen mode), as well as the ability to disable gestures and animations.
• 🔹 Microsoft Launcher —despite the name, it is suitable for any Android. Turn on the mode Simple view in the settings to leave only one screen with frequently used ones. applications.

How to set up a launcher for one screen (using an example Nova Launcher):

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and select it as the main one.
2. Go to Nova Settings → Home Screen.
3. Find the parameter Number of screens and set the value 1.
4. In the section Dock station disable additional panels if they are not are needed.

Install Nova/Lawnchair from Google Play|

Select the launcher as the main one in the system settings|

Disable additional screens in the launcher settings|

Hide unnecessary widgets and notification panels-->

The advantage of this method is flexibility. You can not only combine screens, but also adjust:

• 🎨 Color scheme and the transparency of the panels;
• 📱 Size of icons and the indents between them;
• 🔍 Hide the search bar and annoying widgets.

⚠️ Attention: Some launchers (for example Microsoft Launcher) may collect application usage data Before installing, check permissions. in Google Play and disable unnecessary options in the privacy settings.

3. ADB commands: a hidden method for experienced users

If you are ready to work with Android debugging bridge (ADB), you can force disable additional screens even on devices where this is not provided by the manufacturer. This method is suitable for Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands with closed shells.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB tools;
• 📱 Enabled Debug by USB on the smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers);
• 🔌 USB cable for connection.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   The name of your device should appear.

3. Run the command to disable additional screens:

   adb shell settings put secure home_screen_single_page true

4. Reboot the launcher (or the entire phone) for the changes to take effect.

If the command did not work, try an alternative option for shells based on MIUI or ColorOS:

adb shell am broadcast -a com.android.launcher3.action.SET_HOME_SCREEN_SINGLE_PAGE --ez enabled true

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of ADB can lead to interface failures Before experiments. data-i="135">launcher settings or create a restore point (if your device supports make a backup copy launcher settings or create a restore point (if your device supports TWRP).

4. Manual removal of screens: how to leave only one manually

If you do not want to install launchers or use ADB, you can try remove extra screens manually. This method works on most devices, but requires patience.

Action algorithm:

1. Drag all applications and widgets to first screen. If they do not fit, temporarily delete unnecessary ones or move them to folders.
2. Hold your finger on an empty space of the screen and select Home screen settings (or Edit).
3. Scroll screens left/right and remove empty pages by swiping them up (as when deleting a widget).
4. If screens do not delete, try adding a new screen and then immediately deleting it - sometimes this will "unlock" the ability to edit.

On devices Samsung s One UI:

• 🔧 Hold two fingers on the home screen and select Home screen settings;
• 📄 Go to Home screens and disable the option Add new screens automatically;
• 🗑️ Remove all screens except one, swiping them into the trash.

On Xiaomi (MIUI):

• 👆 Long press on the screen → Settings → Edit layout;
• 🔄 Drag and drop everything icons on the first screen, and delete extra pages using the trash icon;
• 🔒 Enable the option Fixed layoutso that screens are not created automatically.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei c EMUI) the standard launcher can automatically create new screens when installing applications. To avoid this, immediately after setting up, disable the option Auto-add to the main screen in the launcher settings.

5. Hidden shell functions: how to bypass manufacturer restrictions

Smartphone manufacturers often hide useful functions deep in the settings. Let's look at how to combine screens on popular shells without third-party applications.

Table: Hidden settings for one screen on different shells

On devices Sony (Xperia) and LG (until 2021) there is a unique function Simple modethat automatically reduces all elements to one screen. To activate it:

1. Go to Settings → System → Accessibility.
2. Select Simple mode or Simplified interface.
3. Confirm the changes - the system will restart the launcher with one screen.

The main disadvantage of this method is limited functionality. In "simple mode" some widgets or personalization settings may disappear.

6. Problems and solutions: what to do if nothing works

Even after applying all the methods, some users encounter problems. Considerable errors and their solutions.

Frequent problems and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Screens return after reboot → Check if the option Auto-restore layout is enabled in the launcher settings. Disable it and commit the changes.
• 🚫 Cannot delete screens → Install a third-party launcher (for example Nova), delete the screens in it, then return to the standard one launcher.
• ⚙️ ADB commands are not applied → Check if USB debugging is enabled and if there are any conflicts with other ADB sessions (restart adb server command adb kill-server).
• 📱 There is empty space on the screen → This is due to the icon grid. In the launcher settings, reduce the number of rows/columns (for example, from 5x5 to 4x4).

If none of the methods worked, your shell may be blocking changes at the system level. In this case. will help:

1. Installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), if your device is supported;
2. Use Xposed module (for root users), for example, Customize Launcher;
3. Rolling back to the factory version of Android (if the manufacturer's shell limits the functionality too much).

⚠️ Attention: Changing system files or installing custom firmware can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the device. Before such actions. data-i="250">via be sure to make a backup copy through adb backup or TWRP.

7. Optimizing one screen: how to make it convenient

Now that you have one desktop, it is important to organize it correctly. Here are some tips for maximum convenience:

How to arrange elements on one screen:

• 📁 App folders: group similar apps (for example, "Social networks", "Games", "Work"). You can create nested ones. folders. Samsung And Xiaomi you can create subfolders.
• 📱 Widgets by priority: place the clock, weather and calendar at the top of the screen, and quick actions (flashlight, camera) in the dock.
• 🔍 Search bar: if you don’t use it often, hide through the launcher settings or replace with a gesture (for example, swipe down).
• 🎨 Transparency and themes: in Nova Launcher or Lawnchair you can make the panels translucent to make room for icons.

Example of optimal layout for one screen:

| Weather |
|----------------------
| "Social networks" folder |
| "Work" folder |
|----------------------
| Dock panel: Phone, |
| Messages, Camera |

For devices with a large screen (Samsung Galaxy S Ultra, Xiaomi Mix), you can use dividing the screen into zones:

• 📱 Left side: frequently used applications;
• 📊 Right side: widgets (calendar, notes, music);
• 🔽 Bottom panel: dock with 4-5 main icons.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up one desktop

adb shell settings put secure home_screen_single_page false